Kate rules

Down 30 pounds since starting pre-op diet on 5/17. Only 3 pounds since 7/6, though. But better to be down 3 than up, so I will take it. 55 pounds to go until my ultimate goal weight. Here's to us becoming too skinny.

My abdomen still hurts. The midline hurts for no apparent reason. Port is in upper right chest. I haven't lost any weight in a week but I've lost 2 inches off my waist. I'm guessing I'm putting on muscle in my arms and legs. Been walking and doing weights with arms - only light ones though. Don't want big arms. Toned, pretty, non chicken wing arms. What a dream!

LOL! She said this before I went back to the little room. Just realized that might have come out wrong! Hehe...

Oh my goodness! I am at ob/gyn office and the office manager just came up to me and said I look fantastic! I've lost 20 pounds since my last visit and I guess it shows! What a nice thing for her to say.

I'm there too! Lost 5 pounds right after surgery, now two weeks later I've put on 2.5 pounds, but I have lost inches! I've lost two inches off my waist, 1.5 in off my bust and another 2 in off my hips. I was majorly bumming until I did measurements. Now, I'm feeling much better. Was feeling like a complete failure.

Thanks Amy, will try more chicken at meal time. I really fell off wagon last night when I got home from work at 1 a.m. and ate two small bowls of cereal. I had the high protein dinner, I just don't understand! I was losing weight just fine during pre-op and eating foods I normally eat, just in smaller quantities. Ugh... first fill, hurry up!

I'm eating a lot! 1/4 cup of food? No, no way. Try 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups. Trying to stick to mushies but not enough. Anyone else hungry?

I'm telling people I'm going on a cruise in December and want to look and feel my best.

If she was a true best friend, you would have told her a long time ago. Just my opinion. I told my best friends because I know they will support my decision. That being said, they don't always agree with my decisions but they are always respectful and care enough to express their concerns in a caring manner. I have other "friends" I will never tell because they would have something crummy or critical to express. My advice: find friends who love you, respect you and care enough to really listen.

You need more calories/food than that. My suggestion if you're worried? When you find out you are pregnant, get an unfill and have your OB consult with surgeon. Gaining too much weight (80 pounds) isn't good for you or baby so maybe a slight fill will help you find the middle ground. I would, however, work with a nutritionist to ensure you and baby are getting to eat. Good luck!

You all are quite welcome. Love others, encourage others, celebrate successes of your own and well as others. Let's bring positive things into others lives and spread the wealth.

I'm seriously gonna break from my ladylike ways and say SCREW the haters! I had this conversation with my 9 year-old daughter yesterday. People who are happy and happy with themselves do not spend their time tearing down others. Haters are insecure and unhappy folks who cannot cope with their own problems. You go on, fellow banders, and enjoy your success.

Day 9 was my day. Day 10 probably bad because I overdid it day 9.

Shauna, hope you're still doing ok.

I'm terrified of failing.

I chose lapband because of the lower risks, adjustable levels of restriction and long term results. I have a relatively low bmi and only need to lose another 54 pounds to be at my goal of a bmi of 21. I would be satisfied with a bmi of 25 or 26, I would settle for 29 because it still means I'm healthier than I was the day I started this journey.

I got chocolate chewable exlax. In the midst of my body not appreciating all the changes! If vicodin didn't make me so constipated I would totally take one because this is killing me.

Hey Lisa, sorry you're still struggling. I have my up days and down days. I've been hurting today and not feeling any restriction so I've wondered what did I do? But I have my first fill August 16 and imagine the benefit will show up then. Hope you are fully up and at it again soon! - Kate

I've been hungry, though. Scrambled eggs made with olive oil best so far. Fills me nicely - 1 egg and I'm done! I do a protein shake between meals when a slight twinge of hunger starts. That usually keeps me happy. I'm getting around 800-900 calories per day.

Banded on 7/5. Ate a bit more at dinner, but really not much more. I guestimate 3/4 of a cup of food. I can drink a bottle of water in under 5 min now. I'm still really full from dinner but followed the rules and ate mostly protein. That was 3 hours ago and I'm still pleasantly stuffed. Maybe a little too stuffed. Back hurts.

I'm doing the Premier brand protein shakes avail at costco and sams club. 11 oz, 160 cal, 1 g sugar, 30g protein, 400 mg calcium. Tastes pretty good, have to keep away from kids.

My kids are driving me insane... now that I've gotten that out I can post! The meal I can eat now is the size of the KFC snack size mashed potato bowl. No more, no less. My full signal is a heavy sensation in my chest, much like I would feel after having an enormous meal. Loving my lap band.

Had post-op appointment today, all is well! Got permission to move on to mushies tomorrow. Didn't mention I've been doing mushies for 4 days already. Feeling great today! Only a little sore, but that's after I've been up running around all morning. Getting in a quick post lunch siesta and the time for manicure! Yea! My grooming has fallen by the way side during the past 4 weeks and I am looking a little raggedy. Two hours from now, I'm gonna be looking good!

I'm hungry... started mushies 3 days early because I COULD NOT TAKE IT ANYMORE... Still only getting around 600 calories a day.

I'm at work, with the heating pad on my abdomen, because I have no pride. It has been a crazy freaking day here, seems like all the nuts waited for me to come on duty before they came out to play. I am loving limited duty right now, mostly because I am getting to catch up on all the administrative stuff I actually enjoy doing instead of constantly being called out into the field for boring stuff. I'm sure that I will be completely sick of it by day's end! Need a nap and think I want to eat some food. Had mashed potatoes earlier and they were GOOD!!